Years ago, when I was a shy, anxious child, I never would have dreamed that someday I would be successful, happy, and working every day to help other people. Back then, simply talking to another person was terrifying. Yet in spite of this, I knew the real me–an ambitious, courageous entrepreneur-- was waiting to emerge. The breakthrough program I created to become the person I knew I was on the inside made it all possible.

Through years of efforts to overcome my own hurdles, I came to discover some very powerful concepts:

How different parts of our lives are connected, and either work for or against each other to determine how "sparked" our lives are

How connecting the dots between health, fitness, goal setting and community in new ways can result in a completely new approach to weight loss

How fitness acts as a powerful springboard to help you reach amazing goals in life

I have seen firsthand how these concepts help other people on SparkPeople.com. So far, they've lost millions of pounds, reached tens of thousands of goals and completely transformed their lives. Now I'm just one part of an amazing team of experts who are passionate about helping people like you reach goals.

I worked with so many who have "dieted" all their lives, finding no lasting success and blaming themselves for the failure when in fact dieting itself failed them. I had to let people know that there is a better way–one that not only feels better, but also yields better results.

I wrote this book because I know that it's possible for people to reach their potential, to live lives and accomplish goals they never would have imagined before. I've seen these principles change countless lives on our Website, and now this book takes it to a whole new level. In fact, most of the content and powerful concepts in this book have never been presented on the Website before. Now, many years and experiences later, I'm so excited to be able to share this new way of thinking with you in The Spark.

Whether you're just starting out on the path toward a healthy lifestyle or you've been on that path for a while, this book can help you reach your goals, and take your program–and your life–to new levels. You can live a life filled with energy and new experiences you may have never thought possible. I know this because I see it every day. Now it's your turn!

SparkCheers!

Chris Downie
AKA "SparkGuy"

Founder & CEO, SparkPeople.com

At SparkPeople, our mission is to SPARK millions of PEOPLE to reach their goals and lead healthier lives. We offer nutrition, health, and fitness tools, support, and resources that are 100% free!

SparkPeople.com is the most active diet-related site in the U.S. (according to comScore) and was voted "Best of the Web" in the health category by BusinessWeek.com for the past three years. With more than 5 million members, SparkPeople and its associated Websites (SparkRecipes.com, BabyFit.com, dailySpark.com, and SparkTeens.com) gain nearly 175,000 new members each month.

SparkPeople.com has garnered the attention of media outlets including The New York Times, ABC News, FOX TV, the "Today" show, and many more.

Chris "SparkGuy" Downie

After selling his online auction Website to eBay, Chris Downie, commonly known as "SparkGuy," set out to fulfill his mission to SPARK millions of PEOPLE to reach their goals and lead healthier lives.

Since 2001, Chris has invested $5 million of his own money to create and operate SparkPeople.com. In 2005, he made the site 100% free so it could reach and help as many people possible!

As SparkPeople's founder, CEO and resident motivation expert, Chris corresponds directly with members every day. He has written over 10,000 personal messages, offering encouragement and congratulations alike. In addition to talking to members directly on SparkPeople.com, Chris frequently speaks at meetings and events and has "spread the spark" to millions through media interviews and appearances with FOX, "Entertainment Tonight," The New York Times and more.